Why You Need to Move From Twitter to Instagram, and How to Do It
Which plays a more important role in your social media marketing plans, Twitter or Instagram? As I look into my crystal ball, I think business needs to prioritize Instagram much more than it has previously.
Some pundits wonder if Twitter is tomorrow’s MySpace. I don’t think it’s quite that gloomy for the 140-character cyberspace social media competitor, but you want to harness your cart to the fastest horse in the race, and that’s Instagram.
Further, I think Instagram has real staying power and here’s why: people have been looking at photo albums since photographs were invented. Instagram has merely given the world a convenient new way to share their photo albums; it builds on a foundation that has been in place for more than 100 years.
However, in the marriage between business and Instagram, business has been slow to tie the knot. In 2012, Simply Measured looked at its top 100 brands and discovered that only 40 were using Instagram. After all, it’s easier to develop ideas with Twitter and other social media, especially in the B2B world (more on this in a bit).
Marketing your business with Instagram
Without a doubt, Instagram is much easier to leverage if you’re selling a tangible product. Many of the brands with the most Instagram followers are selling luxury items, such as high-end clothing, jewelry, and automobiles. However, Starbucks is right up there too.
If your business is related to any of these types of products, study how they are being promoted on Instagram. You’ll find ideas like these:
- Behind-the-scenes looks
- Holiday-related photographs
- Helpful employee and happy customer photos
- Photo series that tell stories
- Products shown “in action”
- Sneak previews of “coming attractions”
More articles from AllBusiness.com:
- 10 Key Steps to Becoming an Instagram Influencer
- 6 Important Things I’ve Learned From Marketing a Business on Instagram
- How to Quit Your Job and Become a Full-Time Social Media Influencer
- 7 Ways to Make Your Startup Look Professional
- Beyond Facebook: Which Social Media Platforms Should Your Small Businesses Be Using?
Earlier I mentioned that B2B organizations have found it easier to use other social media. It’s interesting to note that General Electric is one of the best users of Instagram. The company often features photos of its massive products, such as jet engines, and also publishes pictures of its manufacturing process. The photography is always excellent and people love browsing through these images. If your product lives in the B2B world, study what GE is doing.
Instagram can benefit your business
Developing strategies for Instagram may not be as simple as for the other social media. However, if I’m right, and Instagram proves to have the staying power that Twitter may be lacking, it will be well worth your effort.
RELATED: 10 Expert Social Media Tips to Help Your Small Business Succeed
